Final report submitted to the Premier

In August 2016, the Commission submitted the final report, Shared Problem, Shared Solutions, to the Premier of NSW. After receiving response from the
Government, the final report will be made publicly available on this website.

The report was prepared in response to a Terms of Reference
requesting a state-wide review of pest animal management.

The final report identifies opportunities to enhance the approach to managing pest animals in NSW to deliver lasting environmental, economic and social
outcomes across all land tenures.

The review draws on close to 600 submissions from landholders, recreational and special interest associations, community groups, and government bodies;
over 100 research publications; as well as extensive consultation with public and private stakeholders across NSW.

The Commission greatly appreciates the time and effort of all those involved throughout the review. The valuable feedback and insights
received have informed the final recommendations.

Next steps for pest animal management reform

The NSW Government is currently considering the Commission’s final report Shared Problem, Shared Solutions. The final report will be made available
on our website following a response from the NSW Government.

Previous reports to the review

As part of the review, the Commission released a draft report in March 2016.

The Commission held a series of public meetings across the state to provide community and stakeholders further opportunity to have their say on NSW pest
animal management reform. Over 400 submissions were received on the draft report and recommendations.

The draft report was informed by research, targeted regional tours across the state and over 170 submissions to an issues paper released in October 2015.

Feedback or enquiries

The review identified opportunities for improving arrangements for pest animal management in NSW. In developing our advice, the Commission:

investigated the quality of evidence and processes supporting prioritisation decisions

identified priority pest animal issues and emerging risks

considered examples of best practice and the barriers to more effective pest animal management

evaluated opportunities to better coordinate, redirect or grow investment and management across different tenures and pest species

identified priority research needs

investigated ways to promote community ownership in pest animal management

considered implementation and transitional issues.

The review considered introduced terrestrial and freshwater vertebrate species. Native animals and animals in the marine environment were not included.

The Premier requested the Commission to establish an advisory committee, headed by the Commissioner Dr John Keniry. This Committee consisted
representatives from the Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and the Office of Environment and Heritage. Mr Terry Korn PSM
was an independent member on the Committee.

Pest animals create significant economic, social and environmental costs for NSW. It is estimated NSW farmers spend around $22 million each year
to manage pest animals, while the total economic impact of pest animals is conservatively estimated to be $170 million each year.
However, the losses extend far beyond agriculture and pest management costs, to major social and emotional impacts on landholders and communities.

Currently, pest animals are managed across different tenures by private and public land managers. There is a perception that the pest animal problem
is getting worse despite efforts of landholders and governments, and that more coordinated approaches are needed.

With the introduction of the Biosecurity Act 2015, the NSW Government has sought to streamline the regulatory framework for pest animals - and
biosecurity risks generally - by consolidating legislative requirements under one Act. This Act promotes managing biosecurity as a shared
responsibility, and is a fundamental shift to how pests have been managed in the past.